unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labouA recent survey by The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked South Africa as highly cost effective (10th out of 31 countries surveyed).

South Africa's exchange rate makes it one of the least expensive countries in which to do business - particularly one with a first-world infrastructure and high living standards. Even though stronger local currency has strengthened against other major currencies in recent years, the rand exchange rate still makes commercial and residential property, quality hotels and restaurants inexpensive by world standards.

South Africa's energy costs are also among the lowest in the world. Eskom supplies most of Africa with electricity, and is known for its superior supply quality. The country also compares favourably for petroleum prices, with private sector and multinational oil companies refining and marketing nearly all imported petroleum products in southern Africa.

The licensing of a second fixed-line operator is expected to bring down the cost of telecommunications in South Africa. The new operator is due to begin operating by the end of 2006, giving state company Telkom its first taste of real competition.

South Africa's unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labour

gh living standards. Even though stronger local currency has strengthened against other major currencies in recent years, the rand exchange rate still makes commercial and residential property, quality hotels and restaurants inexpensive by world standards.

South Africa's energy costs are also among the lowest in the world. Eskom supplies most of Africa with electricity, and is known for its superior supply quality. The country also compares favourably for petroleum prices, with private sector and multinational oil companies refining and marketing nearly all imported petroleum products in southern Africa.

The licensing of a second fixed-line operator is expected to bring down the cost of telecommunications in South Africa. The new operator is due to begin operating by the end of 2006, giving state company Telkom its first taste of real competition.

South Africa's unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labou

o among the lowest in the world. Eskom supplies most of Africa with electricity, and is known for its superior supply quality. The country also compares favourably for petroleum prices, with private sector and multinational oil companies refining and marketing nearly all imported petroleum products in southern Africa.

The licensing of a second fixed-line operator is expected to bring down the cost of telecommunications in South Africa. The new operator is due to begin operating by the end of 2006, giving state company Telkom its first taste of real competition.

South Africa's unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labou

ts in southern Africa.

The licensing of a second fixed-line operator is expected to bring down the cost of telecommunications in South Africa. The new operator is due to begin operating by the end of 2006, giving state company Telkom its first taste of real competition.

South Africa's unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labou

unit labour costs are significantly lower than those of other key emerging markets, including Mexico, Hungary, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, recent years have seen a surge in the country's labour productivity. South Africa has a comprehensive labour legislation in place, facilitating labour relations and contributing to a marked decline in the number of man-days lost due to industrial action since 1994.

South Africa's corporate tax rate - down to 29% for 2005/06 - compares favourably against a number of developing companies, and the prospects of further reductions are good.

Ease of doing business in South Africa:

South Africa is among the top 30 countries in the world for ease of doing business, according to a 2005 World Bank report. The finding suggests that South Africa is making progress in creating an environment conducive to investment, which the government has identified as key to achieving a 6% growth rate.

The survey ranked 155 countries according to the number of procedures, time and costs involved in: starting a business; dealing with licences; hiring and firing workers; registering property; getting credit; protection for investors; paying taxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; and closing a business.

South Africa ranked 28th, ahead Spain (ranked at 30), Austria (32), France (44), Russia (79), China (91) and Brazil (119). Overall, SA had the highest ease-of-business ranking on the African continent.

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